[Encoreman]

Hi All, I presently load .223 on a Rock chucker, I am in the market for a progressive for the .223. I use a dillon SDB for my pistols and need some help deciding on a press for .223. Tell me how you have yours set up and a quick run thru on procedures. Do you lube size and deprime separately on the progressive or a single stage? Then take this processed brass thru the progressive for the primer, powder, bullet and seating? Also at a safe rate how many can you realistically load per hour.Thanks for all comments. Mac

[lgbloader]

Here we go again, Mates....

[Roccobro]

So far I'm just setting mine up and processing crimped brass in batches to the point I can and powder and bullet when ready.

All on a Hornady LNL as I don't have a SS press:

Decap/resize
prime (if no crimp)
*remove from press
trim/chamfer, inspect, remove primer crimp (if present)
*reinstall in press
powder
powder check
seat bullet
crimp
OAL inspect

Justin

[stgdz]

Here we go again, Mates....
This is something I am starting to get curious about. I have a 550b set up for large primer but I have considered the 223 conversion kit as I allready have the X-sizer die, lee seater and FCD.

I decap, then trim to 1.740, lube and off I go? I will probably do some on on my rock crusher before jumping into the 550 but its that simple correct? I have never loaded rifle rounds on a 550 or bottle neck pistol cases.

[lgbloader]

Hey stgdz and OP,

The reason behind my first post was kind of a not so inside joke here on THR. When people start comparing the 550b (or XL650 for that matter) with the Hornady LNL AP, sh*t usually hits the fan. It makes for an interesting thread, to say the least.

I personally use the 550b for 223 but I do not use the Dillon as a full on progressive. I resize on my Lee Classic cast single stage and process my brass first, then I begin on the Dillon with seating the primer and then charging the case. I use a Dillon AT500 powder die with funnel and use my RCBS Charge master combo to throw Varget and charge this way. Then I seat projo, then crimp. I have found that it is still semi progressive but very hands on. I usually use Redding dies and I have a few different FL sizing dies (RCBS X die, Redding small base, Redding FL std, Dillon Carbide-which I still have not tried) and depending on the batch will determine what die I size with. Usually it's just the Redding FL std type A. I also use a Redding Comp seating die and Redding crimp die.

* * * From what I have seen of the Hornady LNL press, it's cool too.

Cheers

[sublimaze41]

After sizing and removing crimp I can safely and effortlessly
make 350-400 rounds per hour on my 550b. This time doesn't
include refilling the primer tube (buy extra primer pick-ups) .

My powder weights are pretty consistent when using a ball
powder, usually between .1 and .2. After I walk away for a
few hours I find it necessary to charge 2 or 3 primed cases
to negate any powder that may have settled.

My favorite powders in .223 for 55 FMJ are AA2230 or H322.

[Shoney]

I have both the LNL and the 550. Either will load 223 quite nicely,

If I am loading for a gas gun, I use ball powder and run them thru progressively (no crimped primers is essential). If it is for a bolt action, I weigh and measure each charge, but otherwise the prosess is progressive.

Since the LNL gives better run-out, and has a better powder system, I prefer to load all rifle cartridges on it, except for the few that I only load on a single stage.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I have experience with both the Dillons and the Hornady presses. I think Shoney pretty well sized up things up.

Dave